How to adjust aperture on SD870IS?

Just picked up this great little camera, already taking some decent pics. I just cant figure out how to adjust the aperture manually.. how can i do this? I have CHDK installed but i dont know that that controls aperture at all.. thanks!

You basically can't. The SD series are intended to be super-simple. All CHDK will let you do is write a script that will set the aperture you might want, but it won't be all that easy to do. The A590 or above are the lowest model PowerShots allowing you to directly control aperture and shutter speed.

Jon wrote in post #5816627
You basically can't. The SD series are intended to be super-simple. All CHDK will let you do is write a script that will set the aperture you might want, but it won't be all that easy to do. The A590 or above are the lowest model PowerShots allowing you to directly control aperture and shutter speed.

You can directly control shutter speed on the sd870 as long as its in manual mode.. and i read somewhere about aperture.. That's too bad, its one of the reasons i bought the camera

and also, would you recommend the a590 over the sd870is? Its $100 less i dont mind exchanging it out

I don't know about the A590IS, but, I really like my A720IS!

myk7 wrote in post #5816638
You can directly control shutter speed on the sd870 as long as its in manual mode.. and i read somewhere about aperture.. That's too bad, its one of the reasons i bought the camera

You can set a long shutter speed in Camera M and Long Shutter Mode. But that's not the same as being able to set 1/250 or 1/30. And aperture, no way. You have ISO and EC as the only usable controls to exposure on the SD870 for general use.

If you want direct aperture and shutter speed control, and don't need the wide angle of the A870 (no other PowerShot in production, and only the SD800 out of production, is as wide), then yes, go with the A590, or the A720. You may even be able to find a refurbished A630 or so in that price range.

Jon wrote in post #5819297
You can set a long shutter speed in Camera M and Long Shutter Mode. But that's not the same as being able to set 1/250 or 1/30. And aperture, no way. You have ISO and EC as the only usable controls to exposure on the SD870 for general use.

If you want direct aperture and shutter speed control, and don't need the wide angle of the A870 (no other PowerShot in production, and only the SD800 out of production, is as wide), then yes, go with the A590, or the A720. You may even be able to find a refurbished A630 or so in that price range.

thanks for the advice.. thats too bad because my friend DROPPED by brand new camera and scratched it all up yesterday - probably can't exchange it now. One of the things i wanted to use the camera for was to take long exposure day pictures - of flowing water etc. Is there any way to do this on this camera without aperture control?

Hold a heavy ND filter over the lens; you'd need to do this anyhow since even at the smallest aperture and lowest ISO the SD will need at least 6 stops less light than you can get right out of the camera.

Jon wrote in post #5819297
You can set a long shutter speed in Camera M and Long Shutter Mode. But that's not the same as being able to set 1/250 or 1/30. And aperture, no way. You have ISO and EC as the only usable controls to exposure on the SD870 for general use.

If you want direct aperture and shutter speed control, and don't need the wide angle of the A870 (no other PowerShot in production, and only the SD800 out of production, is as wide), then yes, go with the A590, or the A720. You may even be able to find a refurbished A630 or so in that price range.

Jon, how does the A630 stack up against the A720?

It's the 4-cell side of the line, with a flip-out screen and about 4x zoom (kid brother of the A640; superceded by the A650). No IS though. I picked mine up at Adorama refurb. for $139.

Thanks Jon, I would like to have the IS. Did the IS start with the A720?

Well, the A570 IS slightly preceded the A720, IIRC.

Jon wrote in post #5821457
Hold a heavy ND filter over the lens; you'd need to do this anyhow since even at the smallest aperture and lowest ISO the SD will need at least 6 stops less light than you can get right out of the camera.

Jon I really appreciate your help.. and I know this isn't a camera comparison helpline but you seem to be so knowledgable I hope you dont mind answering a quick Question.. Im going to try and exchange my sd870is - i thought it had more manual controls than it does. If you had the choice between the 2 - would you go sd870is or SX100IS for an all around camera?

Yf pressed between the two, I'd go with the SX100. However among all the PowerShot line, I'd choose a G9, A650 or S5. All have IS, and each has unique features that could lure me. As you'll see from my sig., I went with the A-series as my DSLR backup.